Hidden Oak Cafe, at Bayard Cutting Arboretum

Description

The Hidden Oak Cafe is located in the historic mansion on the grounds of Bayard Cutting Arboretum. The paved, parking lot is less than 1/10 mile from the mansion entrance. The path from the parking lot is paved. One can also be dropped off close to the main entrance,

There are three steps to the double-door entrance. A concrete ramp is just to the left. Both entrances get one to the lobby of the mansion. The cafe entrance is to the right. There is table service at very well-spaced tables, both indoors and on the large deck.

The only handicapped-accessible restrooms are located on this level of the mansion. One must ask someone at the cafe if you need to use it. Otherwise, restrooms are located outside, and around to the right of the building.

Checklist

Attraction Type:  dining
Surface of lot:  paved
Distance to venue:  less than 1/10 mile to mansion entrance
Transportation to venue offered:  na
Terrain:  fairly flat, a bit uneven
Places to rest:  benches near the mansion
Paths and walkways:  paved walkway
Doors:  single door
Number of floors:  one
Elevators:  no
Ramps:  concrete ramp to entrance
Steps and staircases:  three steps to entrance
Width of aisles:  very spacious
Places to sit:  tables and chairs - both indoors and out
Location of restrooms:  handicapped-restroom is located in the mansion (must ask to use it), other restrooms are located outside to the right and around to restrooms
Type of restroom:  only handicapped-accessible restroom is in mansion
Ease of entry and exit:  OK
Baby changing station:  no
Friendliness of staff:  very friendly, helpful and attentive

Read More

Bayard Cutting Arboretum is a special place. A visit there is made even nicer with a stop at the Hidden Oak Cafe. Located in the historic mansion on the grounds, it gives one a glimpse into the world of those who once lived there. In non-coved times, tours are available.

We always try to extend our visit with  brunch, lunch or “tea,” We usually sit on the beautiful covered porch, overlooking the great lawn with a spectacular view down to the river.

On a cold, but sunny, late November day, during Covid, we chose to stop for some lunch after a lovely walk along the river and around the 691 acres that encompass this venue.

If you just want to visit the cafe, the paved parking lot is less than 1/10 mile from the mansion.The path is paved. One can also be dropped off much closer to the entrance, before the driver goes to park.

There are five steps up to the double door entrance. There is a ramp just to the left leading to a single,-easy to open door. This door gets you to the same lobby as the double doors. As we enter the lobby, we are always taken by the stained glass windows and fireplace. The entrance to the cafe is to the right. In times past, we would line up to order at the counter, then find a seat where our food was brought to us. With Covid, they have changed to table service, complete with white tablecloths. The choice of seating has been in the main room, outdoor patio, or sometimes in the beautiful library, which, in the past, was reserved for tea. With tables well-spaced, the library is now available for all. The hostess was very careful about seating, whether inside or out.  Even though it was quite chilly we chose to sit outside. The tables were far apart, and the view can’t be beat!  The staff all wore masks and gloves and we watched tables being carefully cleaned between diners.

Our server was delightful, helpful and attentive. As usual, our lunches were delicious. The soup here is great – butternut squash on this day was no exception. The quiche of the day is always a treat. Even if you are  full, it is hard to pass up one of their delicious pastries for dessert.

It was easy to relax and enjoy the view! 

All restrooms used to be in the mansion. During Covid, only the handicapped-accessible restroom is available in the mansion. Regular restroom use requires one to leave the building, go around to the right and follow the signs to the restrooms. There are five steps to reach both the mens’ and ladies’ rooms. If you need the  handicapped restroom it is necessary to ask at the cafe and someone will unlock it for you.

We will happily return if we get a winter day that is sunny, bright and not too cold, as we are not ready for indoor dining. It is unfortunate that there are no heat lamps, so if you decide to go, be prepared!  We might have to brave the cold if there is some snow, as we have been told that the arboretum is amazing covered with snow.

As always, we at Destination:Accessible advise you to visit a venue’s website, http://www.bayardcuttingarboretum.org">www.bayardcuttingarboretum.com, when planning a visit, to “know before you go.”

Location

Nearby